It’s a lovely thing when a band walks the fine line between the past and present, possessing tones that hark back to rock’s golden age of the ’60s and ’70s while also keeping things contemporary with cutting edge structures. This can be said about Richmond, Virginia band Night Idea, whose sound exudes influences stemmed from progressive legends King Crimson and Pink Floyd along with modern math rock resonance of recent years. Jazzy arrangements and psychedelic tendencies add numerous dimensions, giving an extra dose of originality to this quartet’s repertoire. Ahead of its official release on March 25, today Vanyaland is premiering Night Idea’s second full length, Breathing Cold, which can be previewed via the Soundcloud link below.
The dueling guitar syncopation from Carter Burton and Reid LaPierre throughout Breathing Cold is a sonic battle of chords and riffs. Burton’s cadence on vocals makes each track harmonious with there being a contagiously pleasant vibe that won’t leave the ears. Along with playing a six string, LaPierre also shows his multi-instrumental skills on the LP by playing keyboards, mixing in some samples, and alternating with Joey Anderson on bass. He also brings balance with his exquisiteness on backing vocals. Ethan Johnstone on drums is the main reason why everything has a touch of jazz with his flashy and zestful way of making beats. When these four come together and create music, incredible things happen and it’s visible on Breathing Cold.
Starting the album out in triumphant fashion is “At The Wheel”, the dueling guitars of Burton and LaPierre mentioned earlier is evident with rigid and raw riffs and uncanny chord progressions. “Easy To Lie” features a string trio of Linnea Morgan on violin and her brother Alistair Morgan and Zoe Kinney on cellos. They can be heard in the distance while the band plays stretched out techniques and downbeat abundant rhythms. Night Idea gets atmospheric and psychedelic on “Silver Understanding”, a relaxing track that blissfully compels a trance right from the beginning. The sax solo during the song takes the senses to a different place when it kicks in.
Night Idea will be celebrating the release of Breathing Cold this Friday at The Broadberry in Richmond with Providence indie pop trio Roz and the Rice Cakes, abstract indie rockers Spooky Cool, and the one man band known as Gull. New Englanders will also be able to check out Night Idea when they come through Aurora in Providence on April 22 to share the stage with Roz and The Rice Cakes and Arc Iris. For a taste, give a listen to Night Idea’s new album ahead of its official release later this week, and check out their upcoming live dates and the Breathing Cold album artwork below.
Night Idea Live Dates 2016
3/25: Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry
4/05: Greensboro, NC @ Revolution Cycles
4/06: Savannah, GA @ The Erasery
4/07: Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House
4/08: Wilmington, NC @ Reggies
4/09: Atlanta, GA @ 529
4/14: Larami, WY @ University of Wyoming
4/15: Denver, CO @ 7th Circle Music Collective
4/20: Brooklyn, NY @ Sunny Vale
4/21: Beacon, NY @ Quinns Beacon
4/22: Providence, RI @ Aurora Providnce
4/23: Mystic, CT @ The German Mystic Club
4/28: Harrisonburg, VA @ The Golden Pony
4/30: Dublin, VA @ Progress Festival
